Regarding the spiritual gifts in I Cor. 12:1-12 Paul uses the phrase, “I do not want you to be uninformed about spiritual things”. This indicates the importance of the subject that follows. We see here that the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, are at work together. In verse 4, it is the same Spirit, in verse 5, the same Lord and in verse 6, the same God and Father.
A firm foundation was laid by Zach and Ilana Lombard recently. We were encouraged not to try and become one of the present day spiritual superstars. We are all called to prophesy. Zach highlighted some misconceptions concerning the manifestations of the gifts when they are not linked to the Godhead. We come up with some strange interpretations, instead of seeing the Godhead working together for the advancement of His Kingdom on earth.
Salvation is the entry point into the Kingdom. From there on we are the servants of the King of Kings. In John 20:21 Jesus commissions His disciples with the powerful words, “As the Father has sent me, so send I you”. To be born again is not an end in itself. We were bought with a price, now we need to glorify God and walk in all the King has for us. When we are saved it is only the beginning, we will walk in much less than He has purposed for us unless He is our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He wants to empower us to establish His Kingdom. We need to align ourselves with Hs purposes: “Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.
The gifts are an expression of His heart and they are all at His disposal to use when we are surrendered to Him. They point to the One who gives the gift for the upbuilding and strengthening of His Body. We need a new mindset – it is more blessed to give than to receive – the gifts are not ours but are given to those who need to receive His generous love and kindness.
“Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.
There is no longer a free-for-all though, in the prophetic. If we have a word of prophesy there is a New Testament protocol which was established by Jesus – a word of discipline, direction and doctrine needs first to be submitted to the shepherds of the church who watch over the flock before it is given publicly. They must give account for the sheep entrusted to them.
What is so refreshing is that the Father has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light and to share that light by bringing that light to others. It is naturally supernatural for us all to speak what He gives us – to comfort, strengthen and encourage, always at His expense for our benefit.
Let us make love our goal and earnestly desire the gift of prophesy.